NPS Researchers Explore Underwater Remnants of the Battles of Guam
Just a few days after the Japanese launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the US military became embroiled in the First Battle of Guam.…
James Stewart Paused His Hollywood Career to Bomb German Strongholds In Europe
James “Jimmy” Stewart is among the most recognizable stars from the era of Vintage Hollywood. Starring in the likes of Vertigo (1958), It’s a Wonderful…
The 50-Year Battle to Clear Charles McVay III In the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the US Navy in 1932. She was the flagship of Scouting Force 1 prior to the…
The USS Lexington Wreck Was Discovered Over 75 Years After the Battle of the Coral Sea
The sinking of the USS Lexington (CV-2) was one of many to occur during the Second World War, and her wreck has remained on the seafloor…
Esmond Knight: The British Actor Who Was Injured During a Battle with the German Battleship Bismarck
A number of British actors served during the Second World War, but few could claim they came face to face with the German battleship Bismarck…
Operation Long Jump: The Alleged German Plan to Assassinate the ‘Big Three’
A number of plans never came to fruition during the Second World War; one involved the use of bombs guided by pigeons, while another called…
Michael Alexander: The British Commando Who Escaped Death By Faking His Family Tree
Not all those who were captured in combat were taken as prisoners of war (POWs) during the Second World War. Some were shot on-site, particularly…
MoH Recipient Richard O’Kane Was the US Navy’s Most Successful Submarine Commander
Richard O’Kane is the most successful submarine commander in the history of the US Navy. He served during the Second World War, and sank a…
Henry T Elrod: The Marine Corps Aviator Who Single-Handedly Took Out a Japanese Destroyer
Maj. Henry T Elrod was better known by his nickname, “Hammerin’ Hank.” The US Marine Corps aviator had always dreamed of taking to the skies,…
The Little-Known Lost Battalions of World War II
Everyone is aware of the Lost Battalion of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive; 554 men from the US 77th Division who became trapped by the Germans in…
Four Men Aboard the USS California (BB-44) Were Awarded the Medal of Honor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was disastrous for American vessels, particularly those moored along Battleship Row. The nine were the primary targets of the Japanese,…
George Patton Called Creighton Abrams a ‘World Champion’ Tank Commander
There are some military commanders who stand out among the rest, and Creighton Abrams is one of them. Serving during the Second World War, as…